Sept. 28 in Christian History

1704 - A statute was enacted by the colony of Maryland, giving ministers the right to impose divorce on "unholy couples."

1774 - Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'We are always equally in danger in ourselves and always equally safe under the shadow of His wings.'

1808 - Andover Theological Seminary first opened in Massachusetts, under sponsorship of the Congregational Church.

1895 - At a convention in Atlanta, three Baptist groups merged to form the National Baptist Convention. It is today the largest African-American denomination in America and the world.

1934 - The first issue of "The Sword of the Lord" was published. Founded by Baptist evangelist John R. Rice, 39, it became the largest independent Christian weekly for years, and was recognized by liberals as the "voice of fundamentalism."